ONLY 3% of arson cases investigated by Dyfed-Powys Police in the past three years have led to charges, sparking serious concerns about the force’s ability to bring offenders to justice.

Data obtained by Legal Expert shows that of the 558 arson offences recorded across the Dyfed-Powys area since 2021, just 18 resulted in someone being charged. Despite 56 arrests being made, the vast majority of cases were closed without prosecution, while many others remain unresolved.

Llanelli worst-hit by arson

The town of Llanelli recorded the highest number of arson incidents in the region, with 105 offences logged over three years. Ammanford followed with 69, Pembrokeshire South with 60, Brecknockshire with 57, and Montgomeryshire with 41.

Cardigan was the quietest area, with just 15 recorded arson cases.

Low charge rates seen across UK

The figures from Dyfed-Powys mirror a wider national issue. A survey of 31 UK police forces found that fewer than 5% of arson investigations resulted in a charge. In Essex, only two people were charged despite more than 3,000 arson reports.

Home Office statistics published in January show that in the year to September 2024, only 4.4% of criminal damage and arson offences led to a charge or summons—up only slightly from 4.1% the previous year. Around 70% of arson investigations were closed without identifying a suspect.

Teenagers among suspects

Of the 56 arson suspects identified by Dyfed-Powys Police, 11 were under the age of 18. This included three 12-year-olds and four aged 13 or 14. The most common age group was people in their 30s (16 suspects), with only nine in their 20s. Men accounted for 73% of the suspects—slightly below the UK average of 80%.

Dyfed-Powys was also the only force in the country to report zero repeat arson offenders during the three-year period.

Victims left without compensation

Alongside low prosecution rates, victims of arson are also struggling to receive compensation. Of 464 claims made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), just 76 resulted in a payout.

In 2024, only 17 people across the UK received compensation for injuries sustained in arson attacks. Common reasons for claims being rejected included the offence not being classed as violent, or the injuries not meeting CICA’s compensation threshold.

The total payout to arson victims over the three years was £102,260, with an average payment of £1,345. So far in 2024, just £2,400 has been awarded, despite 79 claims being submitted. Nearly 200 victims are still waiting for a decision.

Legal expert urges victims to seek help

Ellie Lamey, a criminal injury specialist at Legal Expert, said many victims may not realise they are entitled to compensation even if no one is convicted.

“It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country,” she said. “Victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.

“They don’t need to wait for a conviction to seek compensation. As long as they report the crime and cooperate with police, they may be eligible to apply.”

Legal Expert provides round-the-clock advice on CICA claims and support for those affected by violent crime.

Police defend response—comments seen as downplaying scale of issue

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to following up all crimes including arson-related offences together with our partner agencies.

“While the article matches our own data, it doesn’t include a breakdown of the level of risk to life, which gives a bit more context. In the past three years, nearly 85% of arson incidents reported did not pose a danger to life.

“We see more damage-related offences than actual attacks on people or property, and due to the nature of some of these incidents—such as bin fires, small grass fires and litter fires—they can be difficult to detect.

“Of the 15% which did pose a risk to life, a charge rate of 17% was achieved.

“When arson incidents occur, police investigate to identify and bring any offenders to justice. We encourage members of the public to report any offences to us via 101, through our website, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

However, some of the comments made by police have been seen as attempting to downplay the scale of the problem—particularly when the overwhelming majority of arson offences go unpunished, and victims are left without justice or compensation.

Cover picture:

Park Church when it went up in flames in 2015 (Image: Gayle Marsh)